Image: Deputy Minister Adam Nowak talks with USSA delegation, Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Jennifer Wilson, policy advisor, reflects on the U.S. Sustainability Alliance’s recent outbound mission to Europe. The USSA delegation had three main objectives: to share insights on policies, practices and innovations; to learn about each country’s sustainability strategies and policy landscapes; and to understand the EU positions shaping the future of food and farming.
Last month (October 13 to 17, 2025), I accompanied Alejandra Castillo, President & CEO of the North American Export Grain Association and Gabriele Ludwig, Director of Environmental Policy, Almond Board of California, to Denmark, Sweden and Poland as representatives of the U.S. Sustainability Alliance. The purpose of our trip? To connect with European policymakers, industry stakeholders and the research community under the theme of “Building a Resilient, Productive Agricultural System”. Over the course of the week, our group met with 13 organizations and associations across the three countries to advance dialogue, foster partnerships and build mutual understanding of sustainable production practices and trade.
Knowledge-sharing and Insights
The mission provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas. As USSA, we showcased the long-standing commitment of the U.S. farming, fishery and forestry sectors to sustainability. Key topics discussed included the significance of family farms, the robust rules that underpin U.S. conservation of natural resources, the role of precision agriculture, the emphasis on animal husbandry standards and tangible improvements in circular production systems.
We shared insights into U.S. industry approaches, structures and funding mechanisms, comparing policies and ideas on best practice with our European counterparts. The importance of practical, science-based sustainability approaches and the need for outcome-based standards were emphasized throughout.
Country-specific Insights
In each country, our USSA team gained valuable insights into EU policies and agricultural practices.
- Denmark: The focus here was on agricultural policy priorities under the EU Council Presidency, specifically the simplification of green rules for farmers, the implementation of a carbon tax on livestock in 2030 and the development of a protein strategy focused on plant-based foods.
- Sweden: A major theme was the evolving meaning of “sustainability” in policy and the ongoing tension between environmental requirements, consumer price sensitivity and profitability for farmers.
- Poland: The discussions centered on flexible, risk-based sustainability measures and the value of knowledge exchange in addressing challenges such as climate adaptation, labor and market volatility.
Shared Challenges, Opportunities for Continued Collaboration
Throughout the visit, conversations focused on balancing the economic impacts of transitioning to greener practices and fossil-free inputs with farm profitability. Participants agreed on the importance of well-funded, targeted extension systems to help producers make the shift.
The mission clearly demonstrated the value of engaging directly with European peers, with the robust dialogue fostering a deeper understanding of the differences and many similarities in the challenges faced by EU and U.S. growers and producers. By the end of the week, there was a consensus on the need for flexible, risk-based policy solutions that allow for local adaptation rather than one-size-fits-all mandates.
Interest in continuing the dialogue was evident; the people and organizations USSA met in Denmark, Sweden and Poland are open to further knowledge sharing, joint programs and possible future collaboration – an excellent testament to the advocacy and diplomacy skills of the USSA representatives! Sincere thanks go to Alejandra, Gabriele and their organizations for supporting this collective effort on behalf of all 28 members of the U.S. Sustainability Alliance and for sharing their knowledge and expertise.